Newcastle in deep relegation trouble

Newcastle United’s relegation woes deepened on Sunday afternoon following a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur that leaves them four points adrift of safety with only five games remaining in The Premier League season.

If there were any hopeful Geordies still refusing to succumb to the horrible realization that relegation is not only possible, but surely probable, then Sunday’s game will have stamped out that remaining shred of optimism.

Darren Bent’s first-half strike was enough to stop Alan Shearer from taking anything from his third game in charge and, following a home defeat to Chelsea and a poor performance in the 1-1 draw at Stoke, puts the club’s difficulties in stark relief.

Meanwhile, Manchester City overcame the disappointment of UEFA Cup elimination to beat West Bromwich Albion 4-2 in a thrilling match at Eastlands.

Robinho and Nedum Onuha had given the hosts a two-goal cushion before a Chris Brunt double brought the visitors right back into the match. But an Elano penalty and a late strike from Daniel Sturridge put the game beyond West Brom’s reach and provided a much need boost for Mark Hughes’ men.